Vintage Nepalese Carved Wood Ancestor Guardian Sculpture — 11.5”

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Description

A striking vintage carved wood Ancestor Guardian Figure from Nepal, created in a boldly stylized, almost primitivist form that is … Read more A striking vintage carved wood Ancestor Guardian Figure from Nepal, created in a boldly stylized, almost primitivist form that is characteristic of Western Nepalese protective sculpture. Figures like this were traditionally placed along crossroads, village entryways, and pathways to watch over travelers, protect the home, and honor ancestral spirits.

Carved from a single block of hardwood, this figure shows the weathered patina, geometric facial structure, squared jawline, and simplified limbs associated with 20th-century Himalayan folk carving. The deeply set eyes, elongated torso, and blocky hands at the knees echo motifs documented in Nepalese guardian figures featured by dealers such as Golden Triangle and Sotheby’s, where similar examples are attributed to rural artisan workshops of Western Nepal.

The surface shows age-appropriate wear, hand-tool marks, and the kind of natural surface cracking expected from decades of exposure—exactly the qualities collectors look for in authentic Himalayan tribal art. At 11.5 inches tall, it is a powerful yet compact statement piece that reads beautifully as a sculptural objet on a pedestal, bookshelf, or console table.

A soulful, expressive piece that brings both presence and history into any curated interior.

Age: Estimated mid-20th century

Condition: Very good vintage condition with patina, weathering, and natural age-related imperfections typical for Nepalese carvings. No repairs noted.

Dimensions: 11.5"H × 4.5"W × 2"D

Weight: 1 lb 8 oz See less